Coach Haydee Ong wants more players on UST’s side to support Kent Pastrana’s efforts in their title defense in UAAP Season 87.
The first round of UAAP Season 87 has left much to be desired among UST players not named Kent Pastrana, at least in the eyes of head coach Haydee Ong after finishing off the first half of the tournament with a win over FEU on Saturday, October 5.
Surviving a scare against the upset-hungry Lady Tamaraws at the Mall of Asia Arena, Ong said that if the Growling Tigresses want to keep the crown in España, there’s a lot more work to do.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t play what we expected them to play. Some other players na kailangan mag-contribute, hindi masyado nag-contribute. But again, a win is a win,” Ong said, as they fended off two comeback tries from FEU in a 66-57 decision.
“Yung mga constant denominator like Kent, always performs naman, so we need more players to show up and help Kent for our succeeding games.”
In the win over FEU, Pastrana was the only player for UST in double figures, finishing with 22 markers. She was followed by Tacky Tacatac’s nine points.
The discrepancy comes as the Growling Tigresses seek to recover from the losses of crucial players – particularly in the frontcourt, where they are missing the services of veteran Tantoy Ferrer.
As Ferrer exhausted her eligibility in the UAAP, Ong now has to rely on multiple players to fill a huge void.
But as the season goes on, Ong has had to practice patience with her bigs – not to mention that one of her veterans in Amby Ambos suffered an injury.
With the second half of the tournament still coming up, Ong expecting more effort as they look to make their title defense a success.
“Yeah, at the start of the season, I told them na yung spot ni Tantoy will not be replaced by one person. So they have to work hard para talagang mapunan yung nawala na role ni Tantoy samin sa team,” said Ong.
“Hopefully, by next games, yung injury ni Ambos okay na mag-heal na, she can play, and sana si Rocel [Dionisio] din mag-step up. Yung mga bigs ko. At least yung silver lining today si CJ [Maglupay], she played very well today and hopefully ma-continue niya the second round,” she added.
Without Ambos against FEU, Maglupay took the charge on the boards as she finished with 13 rebounds.
“She played really really well today. Hats off to CJ. Job well done today,” remarked Ong.
The Growling Tigresses will face a week-long break before they resume their second half of the season. They are currently second in the standings with their 6-1 record.